SWEATER

I was extreme amounts of excited the other day when I finally finished my sweater, until I tried it on. I knew it was going to be bigger than I had wanted, but I was still rather surprised when I put it on...

I'm not really sure what exactly happened, since I took the pattern for another sweater I'd made in the same yarn and added about 10 stitches to it, but it's really just gigantic, and I don't really want to re-do it, since it took a lot of time. Perhaps I'll like it better if I shorten the sleeves a bit? That would be the easiest thing to do.
See? It's about the size for the biggest person in the world. But maybe I'll like it better if I wear it out? If other people like it I might feel a little better. Regardless, I won't be re-doing it for a while if I decide to, it was a little stressful to knit!
What can you do?

Dear Magazines, you're killing me

I really do wish that I could live off of magazines, because if I buy many more of the ones I really like I may not be able to afford food. I know I did a post a while back hating on magazines a little, but in the last few months I've cultivated a love affair/obsession with them. To be more specific, with ultra-cool foreign mags, which tend to be far more expensive than North American magazines like Elle or (shudder) American Vogue, but I believe that they are well worth the extra cost, since I tend to look back at them over and over again, whereas with American mags I read them once, then only use them to cut up for projects. I think the only American magazine I'll be reading in the foreseeable future is Nylon, and only because I got a free subscription through Urban Outfitters.

In a way I'm glad that most of the magazines I like only come out twice a year, since they're so expensive, but I'm at a loss of what to do between issues. 
I'm especially excited about this Vogue Collections magazine I got today, which will be my prized possession for the next few months. I don't even want to think about how expensive it was (let's just say the clerk at Chapters did a double-take, picked it up, and said "this is the most expensive magazine I've ever seen!"). It's well worth it, though! It has collections from Paris, Milan, London and New York fashion weeks as well as an accessories section, and let me just say that it is killing me. I looked through it quickly and I was somewhere between drooling and crying the entire time. So, if you find me crying under my covers with all the lights off, you know who to blame.

GIMME GIMME

I need these shoes. I need them I need them I need them. I've always really loved docs, but I've steered away from them in the past because I feel like they would make my feet look bigger than they are and accentuate my skinny ankles (they are really really skinny, in a weird way). My fears were somewhat assuaged when I came into possession of a pair of worn-the-fuck-out 20 eyelet black docs that I've never worn because they are in dire need of insoles and don't have shoelaces (if anyone knows where to buy really long laces, drop me a line!) that didn't make me look that odd.

BUT the point of this post was these blue plaid and daisy docs I just found on e-bay that I need desperately with all my heart. They're even in my size! I mean, isn't that like, a sign or something? I've got about 39 hours to decide how much they're worth. (My heart is saying priceless, but my credit card disagrees)

4:30 am: Who needs sleep?

I just finished the FRONT of my sweater, and it is entirely next level in the best possible way.

The only problem is that I may have overdone it a little on the oversized front, I'm still deciding.

BUT in order to be extraordinarily mean, you don't get to see it until it's all done, sewn together, and on my body. HAHA. And really, who knows how long that might take? A week? A month? (I'll probably be done by monday)

Commencing countdown, engines on.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Intarsia, could you please be more confusing?

Actually, intarsia isn't exactly hard, just messy, since you have to attach a new bobbin (not the word I was looking for, but it'll do) for every colour section, so they do get a little tangled. I'm having a few second thoughts now that I've actually started the sweater. The only intarsia I did before this was a hat with little hearts on it. I've done more than sufficient research (I even learnt how to do faire isle knitting!) so I do feel I'm prepared, but I'm still nervous about the results. I also can't help but think that I should have tried something a little bit simpler first.

Oh Rodarte

I've really been loving Rodarte's F/W 08/09 collection lately, especially the deliciously deconstructed and destroyed knits. And the shoes, obviously. The shoes are absolutely amazing.

But more about the knits. On first sight they look rather simple, but upon closer examination they are surprisingly intricate. 

I think the stockings (tights? hose? I'm not sure what to call them) are probably the most wearable/accessible, and simple. When I finally get down to Michael's I'll have to pick up some thin mohair-esque yarn and large gauge circular or double-pointed needles, and I should be able to whip these up in no time flat. Just drop a stitch here, add a couple there...

And they'll even give me a reason to wear my garters (there's no way I'm doing anything so much as resembling a waistband) woo-hoo, double goodness!

This is what I've been up to...

I guess I've been very INSPIRED (or whatever) lately, but some of that may have to do with switching into homework avoidance mode. Anyway, I designed some pretty sweet-ass sweaters I'm planning on knitting the near(ish) future. I may even do it up like a proper collection and show it at this fashion show dealie-o that's coming up sometime this semester, but considering how I normally do things (read: I don't) that might not actually happen. Of course, this would all be easier if I was in possession of a knitting machine. 

I'm planning on doing the sweaters directly below in one of my favorite ultra chunky yarns, so they should work up fairly quickly. I've actually already charted out the sweater with the big chains in the bottom left of this page, and knitted a sample with yarn I already had to make sure the proportions were right (they are!) I actually had to chart it out a second time and do another sample, since the proportions in the first one were terrible and it just looked all wrong. Thank god the second one is good, though. Charting is a terribly boring annoying process. After I've finished with that sweater, I think the next one I'll do is the diamond ring.

Or, of course, I could move on to these ice cream inspired sweaters. I'm thinking of doing these in a medium-weight cotton so they're a bit more summery, but that depends on how lazy I'm feeling when I do them. I'm also considering dyeing the yarn myself, since I'm not sure I'll be able to find the right colours to make them truly ice cream-like. I did write the flavours in, but I'm wondering if they're obvious enough that someone could actually guess them. 
I made an ice cream cone necklace just like that one last semester, so maybe drawing it in is cheating a little bit. I've really been doing cupcake and ice cream necklaces for a few years now, just because they're so cute. 
Please tell me what you think of these! If they go over well I may actually sell them (hopefully) but I guess they would have to be fairly expensive to cover my time. 

Hard to be soft, tough to be tender

I have literally been listening to this song non-stop since yesterday afternoon. I can't stop! It's Metric's new(ish) single, Help I'm Alive. Which means...new album in the works! Their last (somewhat disappointing) album was released waaaay back in 2005, and I had almost given up hope for a new release. And judging by this song, this record will be more my speed than Live it Out.

Also, you should expect an extensive post at some point this weekend, as soon as I've got my room cleaned up. It's been a while since I did any sort of outfit or things I own related post, so I have a bunch of stuff that's been building up. I'm also working on what will definitely turn out to be an amazingly ridiculous sweater, so watch out!

Ode to Clunking

So lately I have been really into mad clunky chunky platforms and wedges, even though I used to really really hate all things clunky and wedges in particular (side note: what on earth is happening to me?) Though I suppose it could just be a throwback to my excellent grade 5/6 (spice girls inspired) style, which included several pairs of stupid-high platforms. I only wish I still had them so I could show them off to the world. One pair was runners-style with about a 3" white rubber platform that i wore so much the platform actually fell off eventually, and my other faves were bright orange psychedelic floral print sandals. Actually, the sandals might still be in my friend's basement...

Anyhow, there just isn't anything quite as satisfying as clunking around the halls of your school in insanely high, chunky shoes while most other girls are wearing sweats and uggs (or even better, PJ pants!) Or clunking around anywhere else, really. You know. 

I actually gasped embarrassingly loudly when I saw the sequined Miu Miu heels in the middle. I DIE just thinking of how amazing it would be to have them on my feet, not that I would ever even dream of wearing them outside the house. But, since the price tag exceeds my grocery budget for the rest of the semester, I'm afraid I'll just have to keep dreaming. 

AND NOW: The rest of the shoes, clockwise from top left.

Chloe cuteness, Jeffery Campbell craziness, more Chloe amazing-osity, Marni marvelousity, Stella McCartney's queens of clunk, UO something-or-other, Jessica Simpson (I know, right?) absolutely INSANE insanity, even more Chloe (hey, I couldn't resist!), and Frye summer love. 

Note to self: QUIT IT!

I cannot stop staring at these boots. For the last two weeks they have been haunting me. They are glorious in almost every way possible. How does Chloe continue to churn out the most amazing shoes of my life always? I can hardly stand  it. And with a price tag of nearly $900 (and that's the SALE price! Marked down from nearly 1500 bones!) It seems as if I will continue to not be able to stand it for the rest of my life. Side note: can you imagine ever spending $1500 on one pair of shoes? Or even $900? That just seems so insane to me. 

I almost got my hopes up for a minute when I saw these bad boys, though they possess approximately 1/10 of the glory of Chloe, but OF COURSE they were already sold out. I'm seeing a leafy trend emerging here, though. I came across these heels the other day on UO. If things continue like this, I may not have to give up hope on leafy ankle boots quite yet.

Oh yeah, Today was my first day of school this semester! My classes are kind of a mess at the mo, so I'll have to sort that out in the next couple of days, but other than that and 8:30 classes most days it's okay. More on this tomorrow or whatever. Maybe even a picture!

Episode #1 in my Be-A-Better-Blogger Series

This is something I guess I've been meaning to write about for a while, but I just haven't gotten around to it until now. Rebecca Turbow is an independent designer behind the line SAFE that I have love-love-loved ever since I read about her in Nylon about a million years ago (back in the day, before it started sucking) and checked out her website. She always had only a few pieces up for sale on on her site, but they were always either not in my size, or not in my price range. Nonetheless, I was so in love that I would check back almost weekly in the hopes that there would be something in my size. There never was, but that didn't diminish my love (well, maybe a little bit). She fell off my radar for a while recently, but imagine my surprise when I checked back a couple days ago and saw she actually has her full Fall 08 line on sale in different sizes! I still can't really afford it, but it makes hoping easier!

The whole idea of her aesthetic is rounded corners, soft fabrics, and modern lines, all put together to form garments that make one feel safe and comforted. This season's line is actually vert different from those of past seasons, but I guess that I should really stop being surprised at all the grey I've been seeing lately. 
I've seen a definite evolution over past seasons, from the insane astronaut/alien padded ensembles of '04 to this season's styles, which are definitely the most sophisticated (and wearable) than those of past seasons. 

My all time favorite is still the the fabulous embroidered petals of Spring '06. They're still what I'm lusting over, but alas, they are no longer available. I guess perhaps I should have just bought on of the skirts in a smaller size when I had the chance, if only to look and touch it.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (AKA 2008)

The year will be over in just under two hours, and since I'm way tired and don't feel like going out, I'm lying on the couch in my basement watching Veronica Mars on DVD and thinking about new years resolutions. Not the gonna-eat-better-lose-a-thousand-pounds variety, however (NOT that there's anything wrong with that). I'm thinking a little more in the fashion realm, for the most part. And obvs you wanna hear all about it!

I Resolve To:

1. Be More Adventurous. I don't mean just in the way I dress, though that is a big part of it, but also in the way that I act. I tend to be somewhat of a recluse (read: total hermit) and I think it's time to do something about that!

2. Take Outfit Pictures Every Day. This will be made far easier if I am, in fact, allowed to take the family tripod back to school like my mother implied I would when I said I wanted a tripod for Christmas. Even if I don't end up posting all of them (which I probs won't), I think it would be interesting just to have a visual log of my style and how it develops.

3. Be A Better Blogger! Obvs this is very important, since I am currently a totally suck-ass blogger. I really want to get to the point where a day without blogging is like a day without...um, cheese? I don't know. You get the idea.

4. Only Buy Clothes/Shoes I Will Actually Wear. I don't do this as often as I used to, but it's still a bit of an issue, especially with shoes. I think my main problem is buying things for the person I want to be, rather than the person I am. OR I buy shoes with 5" heels and no platform that kill my feet after about twelve seconds. You know how that is.

5. Knit/Crochet More. And not just from patterns! My real goal here is to get good enough to do something at least somewhat innovative, and everyone knows that practice makes perfect! (Or, as Michelle Duggar says, "Practice makes progress") Also of note here is that I'm not just talking scarves, and I'm not just going to use super-chunky weight yarn. I recently tried doing lace and I really like it!

6. Eat Better Lose A Thousand Pounds. DUH!!!

So happy New Year everybody (aka the like, three people that read this) and I hope 2009 treats you (and me) very well! 

In with the old, out with the new! Or...wait. Scratch that, reverse it. (I actually did type that before realizing it was wrong, and decided it was an excellent opportunity for a Willy Wonka/Ultimate-love Gene Wilder reference).

Classes Are Over, So...

I (obviously) have neglected posting lately, especially when it comes to actual outfit posts. But that is only because I have been a busy busy bee lately. Some of that is school, as I've had quite a few end of term projects to do lately, but a lot of it is also Christmas preparations and the like. I find my family is mostly rather hard to buy for but I have actually managed to finish up (basically) already! I've also been watching christmas movies pretty much every night with my roommates, like last night we watched home alone 2, and tonight i think we're watching Polar Express in 3D!

This is my LAST DAY OF CLASSES outfit, though actually I only had one class and it ended up being cut short, since my teacher had an emergency and had to leave right away. I pretty much based the outfit around my necklace, which I knitted over the weekend. I also wore my brown boots, but it would be too much work to get them into the picture.
This is a close up of the necklace I made. It's just one big cable (like you might see on sweaters) and looks like a braid. It is important to note, however, that it is one piece, not three actually braided together. I really really like it.

In regards to knitting, I've been doing quite a lot of it lately. In the last few weeks, I've made that necklace, a sweater (though it isn't assembled yet), as well as several very fantastic scarves. I'll likely post pictures of my handiwork after the holidays, as some of the scarves I've made/am making are gifts, and I don't want to give the surprise away!

I just have to say...

I think I would automatically fall in love with any boy wearing this jacket. Well, if he could pull it off. You know what I mean.

I don't deserve you, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Hi there. Hiiii. Please be mine? 

These shoes are disgustingly good. It looks like they cut the shoe in half or something. I am a huge Camper fan now (even though I used to hate them), especially when it comes to the "twins" collection. I love the idea of shoes being a pair without being identical, or completely symmetrical. Also I just love the shoes in general. The flat version (below) is also pretty fabulous, but I'm trying to incorporate a lot more every-day wear heels into my shoe wardrobe.

$225 and $200, respectively. At Gravity Pope.

Wish List #2: Oh make me over

Dainty Doll by Nicola Roberts

Apparently Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud (defs a guilty pleasure of mine), who just happens to be a super-pale ginge, got really sick of never being able to find make-up pale enough for her skin. I've run into the same problem myself - for most brands, the lightest shade they make is still slightly darker than my skin. But Nicola did something about it, creating Dainty Doll, a line especially for us pale folks! Obviously I am very excited about this. The only issue is that the only place I can find it is online at Asos, and it's a littly pricy. 

Wishes: Foundation in Ivory, Concealer in Fair and Eyeshadow & Base in Apricot.

M.A.C.

1. M.A.C. Lipstick: I'm really digging lipstick right now, and I'm beyond pleased with the M.A.C. one I already have, so it only makes sense to add to the collection. The colours I like best are: Ravishing, Red, Modesty, Plumful, Moroccan, Woo, Chaud, Lady Danger, Impassioned, Spice It Up! and Crosswires. 

2. Dazzle Lash (black): I am in desperate need of new mascara, as the Covergirl one I'm currently using is mad clumpy. Dazzle Lash claims to "instantly produce a starburst dazzle effect", which sounds mighty intriguing. 

3. Studio Tech or Studio Fix Powder+Foundation (shade NW15): I think this is pretty basic, I've heard M.A.C. foundation comes in super-light shades for ghosts like me, and I need something with a little more coverage than what I'm using right now.

4. Select Cover-up (NW15): Cover-up! Woo-hoo! I think everyone knows what this is for.

Sephora

1. Kat Von D Everything: Yes, I really like Kat Von D, whatcha gonna do about it? I currently only have one lipstick from her line for Sephora, but I pretty much adore every single thing in the collection. More specifically:

• Kat Eye Brush Set: 5 pretty brushes, just for my eyelids! I think I have two whole eye brushes right now, and their uses are extremely limited.
• Autograph Eyeliner (Puro Amor): liquid liner, please! My friend told me this is one of the best liners she's used, and sometimes me cream liner just isn't what I'm looking for.
• Painted Love Lipstick (Hellbent): we've already been over my lipstick love, but I didn't tell you that red is my favorite. Every girl obviously needs a million shades of red lipstick to suit every mood!
• True Romance Eyeshadow Palette (Beethoven): So pretty! I like eyeshadow a lot, but I generally have issues putting different colours together without looking like a weirdo, and I really only have super-bright shades right now. 

2. NARS Lipstick (Casablanca): I LOVE LIPSTICK. OK? OK.

3. NARS Blush (Orgasm): Orgasm is, most likely, the best blush shade ever invented. It's fabulously peachy, with little gold flecks. I have lip gloss in this shade, and it's just gorgeous, so of course I want my cheeks to be equally rosy!

4. Vincent Longo Waterproof Eyeliner (Bianchino): A little while ago I decided that white liquid liner was the best idea ever, and this is the only one I could find. I think it would look totally tubular. 

5. Armani Code Pour Femme Elixer: Armani Code is one of the most delicious smelling perfumes, and I've wanted it for ages. Elixer is a more potent version of the original, but mostly I just like the atomizer on the bottle.

6. Benefit Lipscription: My lips get dry, flaky, and icky in the winter, and this set has an exfoliater and a balm to make it all better. I've loved every Benefit product I've ever tried, so I feel good about this working as well as it says it does.

Pounce like a kitten

For real, I DON'T EVEN CARE that this is supposed to be lingerie, or that it's $350. I don't care if I would seem like a raging ho for wearing this out of the house. If this somehow came in to my possession, I would wear it all the time, most likely with just tights, no matter how ridiculous I might look. The point is that none of that matters, because it is the most fabulous thing that I have ever seen in my entire life, and I NEED it desperately. I can feel deep in my heart that we were meant to be together. I don't think it would hurt in my quest to seduce The Boy, either.

Iona bodysuit, Agent Provacateur.

NO NO NO!

I was just minding my own business, doing lazy sunday kind of things after an especially bonkerz night last night, when i felt a soft breeze on my right elbow. I looked down to find...

A HUGE hole in my favorite flannel ever! NO! It isn't even on the seam, so probs it will look really dumb when I attempt to fix it, but I don't care. This flannel is irreplaceable! It takes years of loving wear and (not) care to achieve this level of softness (in this case, by my father). I can't live without it. It's my favorite lazy day cozy times shirt. Words cannot express the sadness I feel.

Luuuurve

Ever since my mom got rid of our working typewriter, I've wanted another one. I can't recall I time I haven't been enamored with typewriters. I love everything about them, and have recently been thinking about how lovely it would be to have one in my life again. I was browsing them on ebay and found a few fab ones, but I'm sure it would be far cheaper to search locally and save on the shipping. i also stumbled across these (fully refurbished and functioning) beauties, but at over $500 apiece, they are far out of my price range. For anyone unsure of what to get me for christmas, this would be a most excellent idea. If not, I'll just have to find one for myself!

Wish List #1: Shoes

Christmas is a-coming! I just realized that there is only one month left until the terribly festive occasion, and here I am, with only one gift bought. I'm terrible at christmas shopping, I never know what to get anyone unless they give me a list (which no one does, obvs) and it certainly doesn't help matters that I'm broke. I do, however, know of a vast number of things that I would love to see under that tree come Christmas morning, while I'm sipping my champagne and orange juice. So, of course I'm starting with shoes, since I love them so much and certainly can't afford to buy most of these for myself, at least unless I don't want to eat for a month.

1. Vic Matie, $365 at Gravity Pope. 

Well, hello there, dream shoes. As soon as I saw these, I realized that they're exactly what I've been looking for my whole life. Shiny but not too shiny (no worries about getting the annoying crinkly effect that happens on super-patent leather), just the right amount of pointy, with the fab little metal detail at the heel. AND they're oxfords, which I obvs have a major thing for.

I think I'm in love.
2. Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $695 at Gravity Pope.

I have been horribly, terribly in love with these boots for well over a year now. About six months ago they were actually on sale, but still far out of my price range. They remind me of boots of my mom's that I have always loved, but never gotten to wear, only these are better. The leather is disgustingly buttery and soft, I die every time I touch them.

3. Chloe, $375 at YOOX. 

Yes, I do realize that these are horrible and probs the ugliest shoes ever invented, but I can't get them out of my head. They're haunting me and I really just don't understand it. I daydream in class about what I would wear them with and how amazing I would look. If I had these shoes, I'm pretty sure I would be the fiercest female in town.

4. Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $289.99 at Gravity Pope.

These are on sale! $130.01 off! These are the ultimate in sexy, feminine footwear. The shape is absolutely stunning, and I can only imagine how amazing they would look on my beautiful feet. Personally, I think toe cleavage is awesome, and I can already tell that these lovely ladies would show it off beautifully. They're also extremely classic, and I can see myself at 80 tottering around the nursing home in these, unable to let go of my youth.
5. Fluevog, $169.99 at Gravity Pope.

I've been lusting after these bad boys for going on six months now. I was this close to buying these instead of my Campers, but they were $235 then, and now they're on sale! I don't really have any brightly coloured flats, and am therefore in desperate need of some, and these are just the ticket. I absolutely adore perforated leather and have an (obvious) oxford addiction. These belong in my shoe wheel, without a doubt.

6. Melissa, $99 at Gravity Pope. 

You guessed right, these are made of plastic, and it's RECYCLED! Woo! Apparently the plastic is this special kind that's amazingly comfortable and conforms to your foot blah blah blah, but I don't care about all that. I love them because they look like something a retro flight attendant from the future would wear while working on a private jet, most likely with a Judy Jetson-style outfit. And white tights. 

7. YMC, $345 at Gravity Pope.

Honestly, I don't think these shoes need much of an explanation. They are effortlessly chic in every sense. Simple and classic, they could go anywhere, with anything, always.
8. Paul Smith, $329.99 at Gravity Pope.

These are just too cute for words. Worn with a little mod dress (like the wool one I already own) one would look like they had time travelled here, straight from the sixties, where their style icon was twiggy, they hung out all day smoking cigarettes while sitting on brick walls in London with their equally mod friends, and went out dancing every night.
9. Candela, $114.99(USD) at Urban Outfitters. 

Oxfords with tassel-ey bits and a perforated pattern. 'Nuff said.
10. United Nude, $150(USD).

You may be thinking, 'What's with Karen and her love of hideous shoes?' The answer is that I do not know. I used to despise wedges, and there are three pairs on this list alone, two of which are made of plastic. I have no idea what's happening to me, but that's beside the point. These shoes don't even have one! HAHAHA! (sorry) Mostly I just think these are totally adorable, and I love the white strap. I don't really know what else to say.

11. United Nude, $245(USD).

I LOVE ANKLE BOOTS. The overall shape of these is nothing short of fabulous, and I love the graduated stripes and the way the upper is composed of one strip that folds over itself in the front. I'm also a big fan of the heel height, at 2 3/4" high, they're far more manageable for extended wear than most of the heels I own, so I might even be able to wear them all day at school without having to change before walking home. Mostly, though, I just think they're frickin' cool.